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Farrell's squad fine with waiting on ALDS foe

Farrell's squad fine with waiting on ALDS foe

BALTIMORE -- The fact that the Red Sox won't know who they are playing in the American League Division Series until Wednesday night isn't a big issue, according to manager John Farrell.

In fact, like a lot of baseball fans, Farrell is looking forward to seeing how the riveting three-team race between Tampa Bay, Texas and Cleveland for the two Wild Card spots finishes.

And the fact those three teams might have to exhaust themselves after a potential three-way tie with multiple games before the ALDS even starts is music to Farrell's ears.

"I guess the way I'd describe it, the final week of the season becomes extremely exciting," Farrell said. "I mean the second Wild Card made all 162 games critical. I think from just a pitching usage standpoint, going up against those potential teams, the more they play the more they've got to use their guys, and maybe the less rest they are afforded might have some effect. Who knows? It's exciting for the game, for sure."

From a scouting standpoint, Farrell thinks the Red Sox will be fine having short notice on their opponent.

The Red Sox will have a day off on Monday. They'll have workouts Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Fenway. The middle day will even feature some type of intrasquad game.

"Given the way we're covering each team, we'll be able to adjust when that opponent is identified, and we're confident that the process we're going through right now to cover each team will be as in-depth, regardless of the opponent," said Farrell.

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.